Is a Tabletop Fireplace Safe? Everything You Need to Know About Bioethanol Safety

Tabletop fire pits have become a favourite way to enjoy real flames at home — especially compact, smokeless models that run on bioethanol. They offer ambient light and cosy warmth without the mess of wood or the installation of gas. Yet the questions we hear most often remain the same: is it safe to use one indoors? What about children or pets? How do you handle the fuel?

In this guide we break down exactly how tabletop fireplaces work, how safe they really are, and the simple habits that let you use one with complete confidence.

How Do Bioethanol Tabletop Fire Pits Work?

A tabletop fireplace burns liquid bioethanol — a plant-based alcohol fuel — in a stainless steel burner to create a clean, real flame. It burns steadily without smoke, soot or ash, which is why no chimney, vent or electricity is needed. The unit is fully self-contained, making it ideal for dining tables, small indoor spaces and patios alike.

So, Are Tabletop Fireplaces Dangerous?

Short answer: no — not when used properly. Just like candles or a gas hob, safety comes down to how you use them. A bioethanol fire pit is safe when:

• The unit is well built, with a stable base and a properly made burner
• The fuel is handled and stored correctly
• The room is ventilated
• The flame is never left unattended

The Golden Rule: Never Refill a Burning or Hot Burner

If you remember only one thing from this guide, make it this. Pouring fuel into a burner that is still lit — or still warm — is the cause of almost every bioethanol accident. Ethanol vapour can ignite in an instant and cause a sudden flare-up.

The safe refuelling routine is simple:

• Let the flame burn out completely, or extinguish it fully with the snuffer
• Wait until the burner is cool to the touch — around 15 minutes is a good rule of thumb
• Refill slowly, wipe away any spilled fuel, and only then relight

Placement: Where Should Your Tabletop Fireplace Stand?

Always place the fireplace on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface — stone, tile, metal or a solid tabletop work well. Keep a generous clearance from curtains, paper, plants, cushions and anything else flammable, and leave free space above the flame. Never move the fireplace while it is burning or still hot; wait until it has cooled down completely.

Outdoors, choose a spot sheltered from strong wind so the flame stays steady and predictable.

Ventilation: Fresh Air Matters

Bioethanol burns cleanly, producing mainly water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide — but like any real flame, it consumes oxygen. Use your fireplace in a normally sized, ventilated room and crack a window during longer sessions. Avoid running it in very small, sealed spaces such as a tiny bathroom or a closed camper.

How to Extinguish the Flame Safely

Use the snuffer tool or extinguishing lid supplied with your fireplace — simply place it over the flame to cut off the oxygen. Never blow the flame out, and never pour water on a bioethanol burner. If any fuel is left after snuffing, let the unit cool and leave the lid in place so the remaining ethanol cannot evaporate into the room.

Children and Pets: Keep a Safe Distance

Treat a tabletop fireplace the way you would treat a lit candle or a hot pan. Place it out of reach of small children and curious pets, ideally in the centre of a table rather than near the edge, and always supervise the flame while anyone is nearby. Store the fuel bottle well out of reach and never let children handle it.

Quality Fuel Makes a Safer Flame

Cheap or impure fuel can burn unevenly, smell unpleasant and leave residue. Use a clean, high-purity fuel made for bioethanol fireplaces, such as our Premium Bio Ethanol 1L, for a steady, odourless and predictable flame.

Store bioethanol tightly sealed and upright, in a cool spot away from any open flame, heat source or direct sunlight — and always out of reach of children and pets. Only keep as much at home as you realistically need.

How Long Does a Tabletop Fire Pit Burn?

Most compact units burn for 45 to 90 minutes per fill, while larger burners can reach up to 3 hours. Never top up mid-session to extend the burn — let the unit cool first, then refill.

Bottom Line: Safe When Used with Care

A bioethanol tabletop fireplace is a safe, stylish way to enjoy real fire at home — as long as you treat it with the same respect you would give a high-end candle. Cool before refilling, clear placement, fresh air, quality fuel and a watchful eye: that is genuinely all it takes.

Looking for a certified, safe and stylish tabletop fire pit?

Browse our indoor tabletop fire pits for cosy evenings inside, or explore the full range of smokeless tabletop fire pits for indoor and outdoor use. Pair your fireplace with clean-burning fuel and you are set for safe, effortless ambiance all year round.